The Philadelphia Flyers have worked quickly to sign a recent draft selection. The team has announced that 2020 fourth-round pick Zayde Wisdom has signed his entry-level contract. It is a three year deal with an $826K cap hit and the following salary breakdown, according to CapFriendly:
2020-21: $700K base salary and $92.5K signing bonus ($70K minors)
2021-22: $750K base salary and $92.5K signing bonus ($70K minors)
2022-23: $750K base salary and $92.5K signing bonus ($70K minors)
Wisdom, 18, is likely to return to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, in which case his ELC could slide. Playing another year or two in junior doesn’t mean that the Flyers don’t see the skilled forward as a promising prospect though – in fact, quite the opposite. Philadelphia traded up to the top of the fourth round to select Widsom, who finished second in goals and points for the Frontenacs last season, improving greatly on his previous season’s totals.
In the Flyer’s press release, GM Chuck Fletcher again reiterated the team’s excitement to have Wisdom. “Somewhat surprising to us, Wisdom was still available in the late third and we scrambled to try to pick up an extra pick there to select him,” said Fletcher. “I think he’s got an understated skill level. His hands are pretty good. He has a good shot. He has good instincts. He goes to the right places on the ice. When you combine that with his relentless pursuit of pucks, his ability to forecheck and finish checks, it’s a pretty attractive package.”